These measures range from installing CCTV cameras to changing locks to scanning homes for bugging devices.

Ms Saffin conceded that Mr Turnbull's swift action on our "national disgrace" was heartening. "Anything that deals with the problem is good," she said.

Ms Saffin, in her 20s, worked as the Lismore Women and Children's Refuge coordinator for five years. She will return to her roots to focus on the frontline service as part of her 2016 election campaign.

"The refuges need adequate funding and they need to be at the frontline of domestic violence response," she said. "There is no national program that puts them at the front and there needs to be."